Oaklawn to Start 2026‑27 Meet Earlier; Arkansas Derby Date Could Shift
The Arkansas Racing Commission on Thursday unanimously approved Oaklawn Park’s 2026‑27 racing calendar, featuring a slightly altered format and an earlier start to the season.
The upcoming meet will consist primarily of three‑day race weeks — down from last season’s four — and will begin in November rather than December.
Racing Schedule and Dates
Oaklawn’s new schedule outlines a 65‑day meet running from Nov. 27, 2026, through May 1, 2027.
According to Oaklawn attorney Skip Ebel, racing will be held Friday and Saturdayduring opening weekend before transitioning to a Friday‑through‑Sunday format for most of the meet. The track will add Thursday cards during the final three weeks in March and again on April 29.
A special Monday holiday program is planned for Feb. 15.
Ebel also noted that Oaklawn will take a one‑week break in January, with no racing held Jan. 15–17.
The track will be dark on Dec. 25 (Christmas), March 28 (Easter), and Sunday, April 11.
Possible Move for Arkansas Derby
Earlier this year, Oaklawn president Lou Cella said the Arkansas Derby could be moved from five weeks to three weeks before the Kentucky Derby, which would place it on April 10.
The track’s stakes schedule is expected to be finalized later this summer.
Remembering Mike Feichtinger, 66
Mike Feichtinger, a longtime racing official and stakes coordinator at Oaklawn Park, died May 14 at age 66, according to friends. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Feichtinger’s service arrangements will be announced by Spicer‑Mullikin Funeral Home in Delaware.
Feichtinger played a key role in organizing Oaklawn’s recently completed stakes season, which featured the Oaklawn Handicap with reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty, Preakness winner Journalism, and multiple Grade 1 winner White Abarrio.
Jockey Appearance at Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park announced that jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr. and Jose Ortiz will hold a free autograph session Monday at the track’s east entrance from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Central Time.
Both are in town to ride in stakes races on the Lone Star Million Day card.
Jose Ortiz captured this year’s Kentucky Derby aboard Golden Tempo.
